Race to Social Justice Race to Social Justice

Convicted of a 1998 murder, 47-year-old Leon Benson, was released from prison on 3/9/23, fully exonerated after 24 years. Now a college student and recording artist, Mr. Benson shares
a riveting account of how his false arrest and incarceration (including many years in solitary) transformed, rather than embittered, him and formed the foundation for his new life as a free man.

In this episode, we explore how local government can play a positive role in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the community. Hear our conversation with professional educator and consultant, Donna Richemond, who meets this challenge as DEI Chief for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Imam Idris Abdul-Zahir, building on a family legacy as a young leader of a Muslim community in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia, explains how racial justice is integral to his ministry, interfaith collaboration and multimedia public persona.

Keva and John are joined by a University DEI director, an undergrad
nursing student and graduate social work student, for a lively discussion about how
diversity, equity and inclusion impact college experience, including barriers BIPOC, gay
and non-binary and first-to-college students have to overcome to stay in school,
graduate and get a good paying job.

Meet Apryll Adams and Mike DeCandido, two different looking middle-aged people (one a Black female professional, the other her former white senior executive).  Hear their unique story rooted in their discovery of similar values and beliefs leading to the co- founding of a nonprofit organization which promotes sustained individual and group communication channels which foster open dialogue and discussion of difficult questions in a safe environment.

Lori Bezahler, President of Edward W. Hazen Foundation, and Marquetta Atkins-Woods, a community activist and Foundation grantee, describe how they have collaborated in
creative ways to empower under-resourced youth in Wichita, Kansas realize better futures.